Dan Illman

ITSMYLUCKYDAY became the newest "it" boy on the Derby trail after toppling champion SHANGHAI BOBBY in the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream. Trained by Eddie Plesa Jr., Itsmyluckyday broke the track record at 1 1/16 miles.  He raced the distance in 1:41.81, almost a second faster than the older GOLDEN TICKET navigated the trip in an optional claimer earlier on the card. 

This week's HandiGambling exercise is the ninth race at Gulfstream, an entry-level allowance for older runners at 7 1/2 furlongs on turf. PAST PERFORMANCES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PREVIOUS BLOG POST. REMEMBER, IF YOU ARE DECLARED THE WINNER OF THE HANDIGAMBLING EXERCISE; PLEASE CONTACT FORMBLOG@DRF.COM WITH YOUR DRF LOGIN AND PASSWORD IN ORDER TO ACCESS YOUR PRIZE PACKAGE. IF THE WINNER WOULD LIKE TO SELECT THE NEXT WEEK'S RACE, PLEASE SEND YOUR RACE SELECTION NO LATER THAN TUESDAY EVENING.

Wayne Lukas lost two decent 3-year-olds when Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint winner HIGHTAIL (injured, retired) and TITLETOWN FIVE (injured) suffered setbacks on the Kentucky Derby trail.  Good thing The Coach's "second string" can run a little bit.

This week's HandiGambling exercise is the ninth race at Gulfstream, a conditioned claimer for older fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on turf. PAST PERFORMANCES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PREVIOUS BLOG POST. REMEMBER, IF YOU ARE DECLARED THE WINNER OF THE HANDIGAMBLING EXERCISE; PLEASE CONTACT FORMBLOG@DRF.COM WITH YOUR DRF LOGIN AND PASSWORD IN ORDER TO ACCESS YOUR PRIZE PACKAGE. IF THE WINNER WOULD LIKE TO SELECT THE NEXT WEEK'S RACE, PLEASE SEND YOUR RACE SELECTION NO LATER THAN TUESDAY EVENING.

CALISTOGA gave a very smart performance in her career debut at Gulfstream Park on January 12.